The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) has agreed in principle to purchase the Motor Vehicle Repairers Association (MVRA) for an undisclosed sum from Capita Group.

The MVRA’s body and repair programmes will be incorporated into the services that RMIF offers to its members, in particular its Independent Garage Association (IGA) members.

The RMIF’s members will swell by 1,000 as a result of the acquisition.

Commenting on his first acquisition since taking the reins at the RMIF, chief executive Rob Foulston said: “For many years there have been multiple trade associations in the vehicle repair sector and no single voice.

“This consolidation of our own bodyshop services division and the MVRA will strengthen the voice and representation of the sector for the benefit of all participants. Existing RMIF members will benefit from additional services, including field auditing services and health and safety checks and MVRA members will benefit from the high level of technical and legal support available to RMIF members and the powerful lobbying capacity of the RMIF.”